NEWS: Items from the Altoona Mirror, September 9, 1899, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich & Alice James Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ Items from the Altoona Mirror, Saturday Evening, September 9, 1899 LATE NEWS PARAGRAPHED Ex-Councilman Robert Shields is a candidate for alderman of the Third Ward. Miss Clara Wisner of Miamisburg, Ohio, is visiting at the home of Miss Harriet Gibson, Lexington avenue. A party was given at the home of Mr. Davis S. Sterner at 1615 Seventh avenue last evening. About fifteen couples were present and had an enjoyable time. Mary, the little 9-year-old daughter of Frank Hesser of 310 First avenue had her collar bone fractured while playing near her home about 9 o'clock this morning. Father Verker of Ashville is the guest of Undertaker Stephens. He is on his way back to Ashville, after spending several months with his mother in Ireland. At 2:30 o'clock this afternoon Policeman Orner arrested Big Foot, No. 2, a notorious hobo, at Tenth avenue and Twelfth street. He was drunk, but gave the officer no trouble. Miss Kittie Hirst and Miss Irene Wiser from DuBois are visiting Miss Mary Orr, 1819 Thirteenth avenue. This is their first visit to our city and they are very much pleased with it. ANOTHER CHAPTER IN THE CASE. Jacob D. Reed and Mrs. Mary Isett Held for Court. The last of the cases resulting from the prosecution brought by Mrs. Mary Cassel against William Jones, charging him with felonious assault, was heard before Alderman DoByne this morning. On information of Mrs. Cassel, Jacob D. Reed, her brother, was charged with adultery, and Mrs. Mary Isett, with fornication. The case was called at 10:30 o'clock, before a large crowd of spectators. Mrs. Mary Cassel, the prosecutor, was the first witness. She said the defendant, Jacob Reed, was a married man, and that she was present at the ceremony when he was joined in wedlock. His wife, she said, was still living, although they had not lived together for nearly three years. Witness had not seen Good's wife since she left him, but the latter told her that he saw his wife last spring and that she was living with a man named McConnell in Juniata, to whom she was married, although she had not been divorced. Mrs. Cassel said that for almost two years past her brother and Mrs. Isett had lived together as man and wife. She cited certain instances that clearly substantiated this fact, and her testimony was corroborated by her husband, John Cassel, who followed her on the witness stand. Mrs. Cassel said that the fact that Mrs. Isett had caused her arrest on a serious charge did not prompt her to bring the prosecution against the defendants. She intended several times to have them arrested, but had been persuaded not to. Christina Bookhammer, an aged and decrepit woman, who resided at Greenwood near Mrs. Isett's house, said that she had seen the two defendants cohabiting and living together as man and wife for a year past. She said Good was a married man, but that Mrs. Isett's husband was dead. She advised the two to get married if they wanted to live the way they were. Henry Bookhammer, a son of the above witness, told what he had seen taking place between Good and Mrs. Isett. His testimony went to corroborate that of the preceding witnesses. J. Banks Kurtz, esq., appeared for Mrs. Cassel and A. V. Dively for the defendants. The alderman held Reed for court in the sum of $200, and Mrs. Isett was asked to furnish a $100 bond for her appearance at court. Reed was locked up and Mrs. Isett was released on her own recognizance until this afternoon to try and raise money to settle the case. DOINGS OF THE CITY POLICE. Our Reporters' Notes Gathered at the Mayor's and Aldermen's Offices. The cross suit of Mrs. Annie Treese against J. H. Beers for threats has been postponed until next Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. F. J. Williams who was sleeping at the P. R. R. freight deport was arrested and locked up by Railroad Officer Smith at 3 o'clock this morning. Officers Kolley and Carney arrested J. T. Evy at 8:10 o'clock last evening on Eleventh avenue between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets on the charges of drunkenness and disorderly conduct. John Hays, a 13-year-old boy was arrested at Eighth avenue and Fifteenth street last night by Officer Shafer for disorderly conduct and throwing stones. He was released on leaving security for a hearing. Joseph Hite, charged before Alderman Raymond by his wife, with cruelly beating her, had a hearing last evening and was bound over in $400 bail for his appearance at court and in default of the same was sent to jail. Ross Slogenhaup and William Oeffinger charged with drunkenness, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, were fined $10.80 each by the mayor yesterday afternoon. They were financially embarrassed and were sent to jail for ten days. Alderman Crampsey rendered his decision last evening in the suit of Mrs. Mamie White against Mrs. Barbara Beck and of Charles Beck against Mrs. Mamie White. It was agreed that the prosecutors pay their own costs. This they agreed to do and the informations were withdrawn. The trespass case of J. H. Beers against Mrs. Annie Treese of Bellwood was heard by Alderman Raymond last evening. The alderman in disposing of the case gave Mrs. Treese a very severe lecturing and told her to stay off the Beers premises. He imposed a fine for $10 but suspended its payment for a few days. A man said to be Jake Solt, of Tyrone, was arrested by Officer Orner at the depot this afternoon. He was intoxicated and made himself very obnoxious to people at the depot. When placed under arrest he threatened to clean out the whole police force, because he was prevented from getting on the train. He was taken to headquarters in the patrol wagon. Simon Strouse, who some time figured prominently in several sensational suits before Alderman DoByne, was arraigned before that alderman this morning on the charge of false pretense preferred by M. Charnas, the picture dealer of this city. Strouse was arrested in Huntingdon by Constable Roe, yesterday afternoon and brought to this city and locked up. The defendant was employed by Charnas to take orders for pictures, and it was alleged that he appropriated funds sent to him for expenses. The alderman discharged Strouse for want of evidence to substantiate the charge. ALTOONA DAY AT EXPOSITION. Special Agent John Wilson Interviews Citizens on the Subject. Mr. John Wilson, special agent of the Philadelphia exposition, was in the city today, interviewing a number of leading citizens in regard to the advisability of having an Altoona day at the exposition. He said that, if interest could be aroused in the exposition here, he would arrange to set aside a day at the exposition for Altoona people. On that day a special train will be run from Altoona to Philadelphia and direct to the exposition grounds. He thought excursion rates could be secured to warrant a big crowd going to the exposition on Altoona day, the tickets to be made good to return several days afterwards. Mr. Wilson said that all the September dates were filled, but he was of the opinion that the better time for Altoonians would be about Thursday, October 12. He was encouraged by his talks with Altoonians and it is altogether likely that Altoona will have a day at the exposition. LARGE ATTENDANCE EXPECTED. The reunion of the survivors of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Pennsylvania volunteers, which is to be held in Altoona next Saturday, will be attended by fully 200 members of that regiment. The Ladies' auxiliary of the G.A.R. posts will serve dinner to the veterans in the room in the opera house formerly occupied by L. W. Cook. IN MILITARY CIRCLES. The inspectors' reports for the spring inspection of the National Guard of Pennsylvania have been promulgated from the adjutant general's office. Major John P. Penny has this to say concerning local organizations: "Company M, Twenty-first regiment, at Bellefonte, is below the minimum in numbers, and, while composed of a first-class quality of men, seems to be lacking in the interest that is necessary to make a good company. Company H, Fifth regiment, of Johnstown, I do not believe will be a success, and I am convinced that better results would be gained by the transfer of this company to Altoona. The Sheridan Troop, at Tyrone, is reported to have looked very well and the same splendid organization that it has always been. ON THE TRAIL OF WILD BEES. The Lilly Signal says: "William O'Neil, known as the great bee trapper of the Alleghenies, was never known to fail when once on the trail of wild bees. On Tuesday he followed in the wake of a leader and arrived at a tree, which he felled and got between seventy-five and eighty pounds of excellent, clear honey, and later in the day he located another tree and cut a square from the body of the tree where the bees were located and captured an entire swarm. The number of bees is sufficiently great, when separated in proper colonies, to make a good sized apiary." FELL FROM A SCAFFOLD While at work on the new addition to the silk mill this morning, John Burkey and Charles Blake were dropped a distance of twenty feet to the ground by the giving way of the scaffold on which they were working. Mr. Burkey landed on his right hip and back and was badly injured. He was picked up and carried to his home, 2325 Eighth avenue and Dr. Miller was hastily summoned. An examination showed that no bones were broken but he was badly bruised and lacerated about the hips and his spine was injured so badly that his lower limbs are utterly helpless. His hands and arms were also badly skinned. Mr. Blake landed on his feet and above being badly shaken up was uninjured. The men were standing on a plank when it suddenly gave way and without any warning they were dropped to the ground. They both think they got off very lucky. HOLLIDAYSBURG Miss Gertrude Vowinckle gave a card party at her home on Allegheny street on Thursday afternoon. Mrs. H. J. Lape of Altoona spent Thursday in town. Professor Samuel Beswick will soon leave for Vineland, N.J., where he will take charge of an institution. Miss Sara M. Goldman will leave tomorrow evening for New York where she will take a course of musical instruction. The dials of the court house clock have been replaced, and last night the clock was illuminated for the first time since last May. Mrs. Mary Lewis has returned home from an extended visit to Washington and Baltimore. Mrs. Lucy Gardner is moving into her residence on Allegheny street. Mr. Jacob Fronheiser has gone to Ithica, N. Y., where he will resume his studies at Cornell University. DUNCANSVILLE Matthias Evans of Braddock, Pa., is the guest of the family of his son, John C. Evans. Herbert Black of Monticello, Ind., was a visitor at the home of Captain J. H. Black this week. Mrs. Rhoda Norrty left today for a visit to Pittsburg. L. S. Price and wife were among the sight-seers at the national encampment at Philadelphia this week. Rev. George A. Joplin will preach in the Presbyterian church at Hollidaysburg tomorrow morning and evening. Arthur Reed is lying critically ill, with slight hopes for his recovery. Mrs. Lewis Treese, of Pittsburg, has been summoned to the bedside of her father, Arthur Reed. A NEW TELEPHONE COMPANY CHARTERED. A charter was issued yesterday at Harrisburg to the Tuscarora telephone company, of Mifflintown. It has a capital stock of $40,000. The directors are A. S. Schall and Carl F. Espenshade, of Mifflintown; I. N. Grubb, of Thompsontown; E. A. Garman, of Richfield; and J. C. Moorehad, of Port Royal. Mr. Moorehead states that the company will not be a local concern, but in time will operate lines in Adams, Bedford, Blair, Centre, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Union and York counties. FRANKSTOWN We extend our thanks to Walter Stewart for the fine large apples presented. Miss Emma Booker, a pleasant and agreeable young lady from Sunbury is visiting friends here. Miss Mildred Truax, of Hollidaysburg, spent Wednesday of this week with her friend, Mrs. D. S. Weight of this place. Master Versal Cruse is carrying his arm in a sling, the result of an accident. Mrs. George Reid, of this place, spent the fore part of the week visiting in Canoe Creek. Miss Alice Bice of this place, has gone to Elwood City to spend the winter with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Treese. Rev. George Shimer and family have returned home from McConnellsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Caldwell have returned from a ten days' visit to Sligo, Clarion county. Miss Bertha Saylor of Williamsburg is being pleasantly entertained at the home of her cousin, Miss Jessie Weston of Geeseytwon. The Veterans' picnic last Saturday was largely attended and an enjoyable time was had by all present. Messrs. David Mountain and Joseph Rodkey declare they enjoyed themselves more playing ring that day than in the days of their youth. EAST SHARPSBURG Mr. John Tipton of near this place fell off of a trestle while working in the shops at Altoona and broke his arm. This will lay Mr. Tipton up for some time. Mr. John Wood, of New York, returned home last Monday, after spending his vacation here. John has been making visits to our village for several summers. He is connected with the International shirt and collar company of New York City. Mr. Fouse, of Philadelphia, and Mr. Whitehouse, of Pittsburg, two young gentlemen, were with us last Saturday evening, attending the festival. Mrs. A. V. Dively of Altoona took sick while visiting friends here. Miss Maggie Schmander of Altoona is with Misses Winkler of this place. Sam Biddle and his mother went to see Mrs. Smyth of Duncansville last Sunday. Rev. E. M. Beck announces that there will be preaching here at the regular hour tomorrow. Mr. Falkender of Hollidaysburg, was a pleasant visitor at the home of your scribe on Wednesday. TYRONE NEWS ITEMS George W. Plummer, esq. is in New York on business. Miss Virginia Bouse, 1053 Jefferson avenue in this place, left yesterday morning for Milesburg, Centre county, on a visit to Miss Lorene Mattern. James S. Plummer of Hollidaysburg has been the guest of his brother, George W. and family for some days past at the old Plummer homestead on Brush mountain in Snyder township. Roy Updyke, son of George Updyke, who resides a short distance east of the borough line in Snyder township, had his left arm caught between the belt and pulley of one of the machines at the shoe factory Wednesday afternoon and broken in two places between the hand and the elbow. Tyrone Commander No. 239, Ancient and Illustrious Order Knights of Malta, of this place, has installed the following officers: Deputy Grand Commander George M. Wike, of Altoona, assisted by several past commanders, two of whom were Sirs William Wareham and D. F. Sunderland, of Altoona, officiating: Sir knight commander, George P. Bell; generalissimo, W. Scott Kinch; captain general, F. Asbury Halderman; prelate, M. S. Bottorf; senior warden, H. A. Waite; junior warden, Edward B. Swartz; standard bearer, H. C. McCanns; sword bearer, S. T. Merritts; warder, C. D. McAfee; sentinel, S. C. Lightner; first guard, F. A. White; second guard, Ralph Spyker; trustee, S. C. Woodring. At present the membership of the commandery numbers 158. MAJOR HASTINGS UNDER ARREST. General Wagner Accused Him of Obtaining Money by False Pretenses. BELLEFONTE, Pa., Sept. 9. - Major William Hastings was arrested here on the charge of forgery and false pretense by Detectives Thomas E. Beckett and E. William Sturtz of Philadelphia, on warrants sworn out by General Louis Wagner, formerly director of the public works of Philadelphia and now president of the Third National Bank. In 1894 Mr. Hastings had a position with the Garcia Trust company of Philadelphia, in which ex-Governor Hastings and General Wagner both were interested. It was alleged he shipped a large consignment of boxes to South America, which he represented as filled with trusses. On the strength of this shipment and presentation of bills of lading, General Wagner alleges that through this interposition the Third National Bank advanced Major Hastings $5,000. Wit the money in his possession the major went to Europe. After his departure, it is asserted, it was learned that the boxes were filled with refuse. During his sojourn abroad he wrote letters to ex-Governor Hastings demanding large sums of money. The last letter contained the threat that if the ex-governor did not pay a specified amount by a certain time the major would come here and blow his house to atoms. The ex-governor was out of town and Mrs. Hastings and family, on hearing of Major Hastings arrival, were frightened and the house was guarded. Major Hastings was taken to Philadelphia. A VERDICT OF SUICIDE. Mary Dandridge, the Woman Who Killer Herself at Washington, Pa. WASHINGTON, Pa., Sept. 9 - The inquest into the death of the woman found dead at the Hotel Doane Thursday was conducted by Coroner Fitzpatrick, and the jury returned the following verdict: "The deceased, Miss Mary Dandridge, aged 19 years, of Chillicothe, O., came to her death by suicide by shooting." As a result, Edward Phillips, who had been under arrest, was released. LOCAL NEWS BRIEFLY GIVEN George F. Fresh is offering a job lot of shot guns cheap at his sporting goods store Eleventh avenue. J. A. Waltz, of 705 Second avenue picked up a shawl that fell from a baby's shoulders at Eighth avenue and Ninth street on Wednesday evening. Mr. William Gority of 1015 Sixth avenue, while working with a drill in No. 3 roundhouse yesterday was struck in the right eye by a chip of steel. Rev. R. C. Ransom, formerly of this city, now pastor of the Bethel African Methodist church of Chicago, will be a candidate for the editorship of the Christian Recorder. The case against W. D. Wagner, charged with embezzling money from Johnstown people has been continued until the December term of the Cambria county court. It is said that the charges against him may be withdrawn. Wagner was arrested in Altoona last week. Mr. James Lathero of 1204 Seventh avenue is without a doubt the happiest man in Altoona today because of a bouncing baby boy which quietly stole into his home the other day. The next happiest man is Mr. J. F. Stratford whom by this notable event becomes a grandfather for the first time. Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Jackson last evening celebrated the Nineteenth anniversary of their marriage at their residence, 2429 Broad avenue. A number of guests were present and an enjoyable time was indulged in. A sumptuous repast, together with some fine music were enjoyed during the evening. PURELY PERSONAL ITEMS Miss Pearl Arbogast of Mexico, Juniata county, is visiting in this city. Miss Bertha Tipton of 1214 Eighth street is visiting friends in Sunbury. Miss Emma Acker of 2405 Union avenue left this morning for a two weeks' visit in the east. Jonathan Baker of 514 Second avenue left yesterday for a trip through western cities. Rev. W. S. Long and wife are entertaining Miss Mary Myers from Altoona - Tyrone Times. Miss Rae Trout of East Freedom is the guest of her cousin, Miss Linda Hooper of Seventh avenue. Miss Gertrude Sharp of 2021 Eleventh avenue left yesterday afternoon to visit friends in Ebensburg. William McNoldy left last evening on a visit to Philadelphia where he will join his father and family. Miss Annie Brunette, is visiting friends in Bellwood and Altoona - Huntingdon Semi-Weekly News. William E. Kyle and bride returned home last evening on fast line from their wedding trip to Atlantic City. Miss Nan Linebaugh of Hagerstown, Md., is the guest of her cousin, Miss Mame Renner of 1509 Third avenue. Miss Bertha Klinefelter of 1408 Thirteenth avenue has returned home after a brief visit to her father at South Fork. Mrs. S. V. Mattern and son are visitors at the home of Mr. D. Baird of Eighth avenue and Twenty-fourth street. G. Charles Kolhnlein of Dwight, Ill., is the guest of relatives in Altoona. He came here to attend the Shade family reunion. Mr. Elmer Schiffler of Altoona is the guest of Frank Grimison and wife on Millen street, near Third - Huntingdon Globe. Mr. Frank Henderson and young son, Ralph are visiting at the home of his father, Mr. George Henderson at Patterson, Pa. Miss Mollie McKillip of Altoona is a guest at the home of Mr. Frank S. Richards on Ridge avenue in this place - Everett Republican. Mr. and Mrs. David Tipper of Altoona are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. George Burket of 756 West Edwin street - Williamsport News. Mr. E. A. Evans and wife of Moline, Ill., arrived this morning to visit relatives, among them being Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Caum of 1111 Seventeenth avenue. Miss Alice Brown of Altoona is visiting her brother and sister and Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Brown, Blair avenue, near Tenth street - Tyrone Times. The summer train on the Huntingdon and Broad Top railroad, known as the Bedford express, leaving that town at 2:05 p.m., will be discontinued after today. Miss Mary Doyle of this city has returned from a very pleasant visit among friends and relatives in Huntingdon, Chambersburg, Baltimore and Richmond. Miss Mae Bowers of Altoona who had been visiting at the home of Mr. J. H. Appel on East Main street departed on Thursday for an extended visit to friends in the east - Everett Republican.